Sky Sports & Paddy Brophy launches GAA Super Games Centre

Sky Sports is partnering with the GAA to support the GAA Super Games Centres countrywide.

The GAA Super Games Centres have been established to reduce youth drop out.

GAA star Paddy Brophy was at Maynooth Community College today to launch the GAA Super Games Centre in partnership with Sky Sports. The GAA Super Games Centres which are based all over the country, were set up to reduce youth drop out and encourage “play to stay” amongst youth, specifically between the ages of 12 and 17 where youth drop out is most prevalent.

Sky Sports is supporting the GAA Super Games Centres by arranging visits with Sky Sports mentors and providing kits and equipment to the estimated 9000 members countrywide.

For this GAA Super Games Centre at Maynooth Community College, the initiative and partnership is one which plays an important role in the community. Speaking about the GAA Super Games Centres, Pat Daly, GAA Director of Development & Research, said: “We know that youth drop out is the biggest worldwide problem in this sector. The GAA Super Games Centres provide informal playing opportunities of a developmental nature, where a strong emphasis is placed on a player-centred and learner-led approach to development. We’re delighted this year to have Sky Sports involved which is the reason Paddy is here today. Our ultimate goal is to increase the number of centres countrywide and reach over 10,000 children annually.”

Commenting on his involvement, GAA star and Sky Sports mentor Paddy Brophy, said:“I think it’s fantastic that these GAA Super Games Centres exist and I’m delighted to be here today on behalf of Sky Sports to meet with the players and generally just support them. There are many factors for youth drop out but the GAA Super Games Centres promote fun and participation. That’s what it’s all about.”

Some of the Sky Sports mentors who have been lined up to get involved in the GAA Super Games Centres throughout the year include; Carla Rowe, Con O’Callaghan, Darran O’ Sullivan, Kevin Conlan and Paul Geaney.

Also in attendance at the GAA Super Games Centre Launch at Maynooth Community College was Catherine Murphy TD.Commenting on the launch, Catherine Murphy TD said:“I’m delighted to be here today to see such wonderful work in action with the youth in my local area. It’s fantastic to see an initiative which encourages young people to stay involved in GAA and encouraging to see the support these local games centres are getting from Sky Sports.”

The GAA Super Games Centres initiative is part of a wider plan which will see Sky Sports invest €3m in grassroots GAA over the next five years.

JD Buckley, Managing Director, Sky Ireland, said: “This investment further demonstrates our commitment to GAA, not just in broadcasting the All Ireland Senior Championships, but also in supporting the talent of the future at grassroots level, where it matters most. We look forward to working with the GAA on the Championship and these wonderful in initiatives for many years to come.”